"The Sandhills area is once again going to be thrilled by the 130-man North Carolina Harmony Brigade, which will be at Owens Auditorium Saturday, Jan. 15, beginning at 7 p.m.," says a spokesman.

The N.C. Harmony Brigade is composed of barbershop quartet singers from not only every corner of this state but has expanded to include members from many other states plus Canada and as far away as Sweden.

This is the 19th year they have made their annual pilgrimage to Moore County, for a jam-fest weekend of singing a capella, barbershop-style music. Although it's called "barbershop vocal harmonizing," which has its roots in the first half of the last century, today many of its songs are arranged from composers such as Billy Joel and the Beatles.

"All of those familiar tunes encompass a wide age-range of styles and make for a great night of beautiful close harmonizing," says the spokesman. "You can kick back and listen to the resonant sounds that a 130-man chorus of accomplished quartet singers can produce."

Concert-goers will also be entertained with performances by selected quartets, including "Let's Sing," the Carolina District Convention tournament champions.

"The N.C. Harmony Brigade chooses Moore County as a place to meet because it also is the home of the Golf Capital Chorus, our local barbershop choral group, that over many years has earned a loyal following here," says the spokesman. "Barbershop-style music is a slice of Americana at its best and as familiar as that proverbial portion of apple pie, to the Moore County audiences."

Owens Auditorium is located on the campus of Sandhills Community College.

Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Arts Council of Moore County, Little River Golf Resort or from members Bob Tweed at (910) 295-3199, Bob Boone at (910) 715-1458, or Larry Harter at (910) 295-3529.

Tickets are also available at the door.